Flight History
The aircraft, an unpressurized Beech 58, departed Fulton County Airport at 0306 Eastern Standard Time and climbed to an altitude of 13,000 feet mean sea level. The flight proceeded without reported incident until approximately 0422, when the pilot requested and was assigned a lower altitude.
In-Flight Difficulties
Over the next 35 minutes, the aircraft exhibited multiple deviations from normal operation. The pilot turned the aircraft in the wrong direction at least three times, was unable to maintain a consistent altitude, and generally had difficulty following instructions from air traffic control.
Collision
The aircraft subsequently collided with trees in a nose-down attitude estimated between 30 and 45 degrees.
Toxicology
Toxicological examination of the pilot revealed a blood ethanol concentration of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg%).
VOR Navigation Aid
A flight check of the Sand Hills VOR conducted on January 4, 1982, determined that the VOR-A approach was out of tolerance structure. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued regarding the deficiency.